Bar owner Karen Waugh to open York’s first boutique hostel near Stonegate

Karen Waugh, who owns Kennedys Bar and restaurant just off Stonegate, is creating The Fort in a building next door.

She says each room will have its own identity and represent the next generation of design talent, after she organised a design competition in collaboration with Creative Protege and design agency Nugenko, allowing graduate designers to create five individually crafted rooms for a total of 16 guests.

She says they gathered inspiration from the interior of a log cabin to the rawness of graffiti art. Steve Haygarth, 25, a fine art graduate from Leeds Metropolitan University, came up with the idea of a log cabin style room as a result of his previous experiences in hostels.

“Most hostels I have ever been in have been like jail cells so what I want to do is create a room that people want to stay in,” he said.

“I think a log cabin represents that.”

May Chung, 23, a multi-media design graduate from Northumbria University, sketched an array of fantasy deep sea creatures to offer visitors a calm and uplifting experience after a day hitting the shops.

Another competition winner, Matt Sypien, 25, a freelance graphic designer, is creating an Apple Technology inspired room, which will include the option to dock an iPod into the wall and listen to the playlist through an integral speaker system.

Karen said The Fort would present the independent traveller with a unique place to stay in the historic heart of York.

“Location, location, location has always been my philosophy in business and The Fort is surrounded by stylish cafés, bars and restaurants,” she said.

“I am certain there is an untapped niche in the market for luxury, funky, easy-on-the- pocket accommodation.

“This is merely phase one in an extremely exciting business venture that has taken Europe by storm.

“Offering the level of accommodation you would expect in a four-star hotel for only £20 a night I’m sure will appeal to everyone.”